^þ

THE KENSINGTON SOCIETY

//þ .ANNUAL REPORT Year 1956 - 57 THE KENSINGTON SOCIETY

a ANNUAL REPORT O J Year 1956-57 z \J F z (h z r! THE KENSINGTON SOCIETY

President: Tur Rr. Hot. V¡scouNr Esurn, G.B.E. Vice-Presidenls: T¡re Rrcnr Rev. THr Lono Brsr¡op or KexsrNcroN Srn Hlnor-p KENYoN, M.B,E., J.P,

Council: Miss Jean Alexander The Lord Harlech, K.G., G.C.M.G. Miss Rachel Alexander The Hon. Mr. Justice Karminski Hardy Amies, Esq. Oliver Messel, Esq. The Hon. Mr. Justice Barry Lady Norman, J.P. W. W. Begley, Esq., F.R.Hist.S., Duncan Oppenheim, Esq. L'R'I' B.A. Dorothea, Lady Ponsonby Sir Hu_gh Casson, R.D.L, F.R,I.B.A., Miss Irene Scharrer F.S.I.A. smith' Esq'' F's'A' The Marquess of cholmondeley, C.C]ú.O. The Rt. Hon. Sir Patrick Spens, K'B'E" M'P' Ashley Dukes, Esq., F.R.S.L. Q'c" Prof' Arnold rovnbee' D'Litt" s. J. L. Egerton, Esq. D.C.L., F.B.A. Miss Rachel Ferguson Orlo Williams, Esq., C.B., M.C., William F. Grimes, Esq., V.P.S.A. D.C.L.

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE:

' Chairman: H. Stephen Pasmore, Esq., M.8., B.S. (Lond.)

Vice-Chairman: C. H. Gibbs-Smith, Esq., F.R.S.A., F.M.A.

Geoffrey Agnew, Esq. Keon Hughes, Esq. C. G. Boxall, Esq. John Paul, Esq. F. Carter, Esq. Hugh Shillito, Esq. W. G. Corfield, Esq. Miss P. M. Ward H. Gandell, Esq. R. T. D. Wilmot, Esq

Hon. Treasurer.' E. Norman-Butler

' Hon. Secrelary: Mrs. G. Christiansen 18. Kensington Square, W.8, Tel.: WEStern 0931

Hon. Auditors.' Messrs, Wright, Stevens & Lloyd +3+ FOREWORI) The Kensington Society has done me the honoul of electing me its President, an honour all the greater because I am not a resident in the Royal Borough and have to depend on the rumour of my reputation in the long-drawn battle for the preservation of the past. Members who read this interesting Report can rest assured that I will do my best to put up a stiff flght for such beauty as remains after official ignorance and commercial cupidity have drawn the red rake of power through our ancient streets. But success in such a cause must largely depend upon the support and cohesion of those intelligent enough to be on our side. The sort of thing we do, or desire to do, is told in this Report, and I hope it will inspire many readers to join this important and vigorous Society. , that great city, is too large to defend itself, too large even to feel the wounds that arc made in its tough hide; but Kensington is well aware of its own charm and beauty, and its citizens should always be ready to rush to its defence.

VrscouNr Esnnn President

+5+ I ¿,! ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING Sir Harold Kenyon said he was both pleased and proud that Ken- The^ Annual General Meeting was held at the Kensington sington should be the site of the second of these Exhibitions; Town FIàll on December llth, 1956, with Sir Harold Kenyon, the ûrst was held at Kenwood last yeat. M.B.E., J.P., in the Chair. The Minutes of the last year's meeting were approved. The regretted resignation of Lord Gorell as President was accepted, accordingly Mr. Penn moved and Miss Langdon seconded a pro- posal to elect the Rt. Hon. Viscount Esher to the Presidency. This was carried unanimously. The meeting expressed its appreciation to Lord Gorell for his At selvices during his time of office. The approval of the Report and Accounts was moved by Dr. H. Stephen Pasmore and seconded by Mr. E. Norman-Butler and approved. illustrated by some very beautiful films. The subscription was increased from lOs. 6d. Io f,I 1s., owing The pictures in ihe exhibition illustrated the work of renovation, to the increase in cost of printing etc. varying from mansions to country cottages.. The attendance during the week the exhibition \l/as open was most The Society accorded its Messrs. thanks to the Hon. Auditors, satisfactory. Wright, Stevens & Lloyd. We would like to record our sincere thanks to Mr. Wilkins, who The meeting carried unanimously a vote of thanks to Sir very kindly lent the rooms at the Odeon Cinema to us. Harold Kenyon for his chairmanship of the meeting. The meeting was followed by a lecture by Mr. David Green on Other activities included lectures by Sir Hugh Casson, past Vice- "Henry Wise of Kensington and the Formal Garden." Chairman of the Society and a Member of the Council, on "Beauty in Danger"; Mr. L. W. Lane, L.C.C. Trees Preservation Officer on "The truth about Trees"; Mr. George Williams, of the Council of Industrial Design, on "Design of Street Furni- Christopher Hollis, Author and Broadcaster, on W'e are very pleased to welcome Lord Esher as President of ture"; Mr. K. Chesterton"; Mr. G. Berry, of the Metropolitan Water our Society. Lord Esher has been connected with amenity societies "G. Evolution of the \üater supply to the Royal for a great number of yeals. He is the President of the London Board, on "The Borough during the last century"; Miss Helen Lowenthal, Society, and Chairman of the Central Societies. Council of Civic and Albert Museum, on His activities for preserving and improving amenities are too Senior Lecturer of the Victoria 'We "English Porcelain"; Mr. W. A. Eden, Seniot Officer of the numerous to mention. are much honoured to have him as our President. Historic Building Section, on "Holland Flouse"; Professor Sir Albert Richardson, P.P.R.A., on "A New Approach to Civic Design"; Mr. C. H. Gibbs-Smith of the Victoria and Albert Museum, on the "Bayeux Tapestry." THE YEAR'S ACTIVITIES During the summer months visits were made to Nymans Gardens, party Leonard An important activity arranged by the Society during the winter Handcross, Sussex. The was met by Mrs. Rosse and Oliver Messel. Mrs. months was an exhibition illustrating the wolk of the Historic Messel, the Countess of Mr. provided tea for members. Buildings Council for England, and the Ministry of Works. Messel very kindly This was held for one week at the Odeon Cinema in Kensington The Rt. Hon. Sir Patrick Spens arranged a visit to the Inner Temple, High Street, by kind permission of Mr. Wilkins, the manager and very kindly gave members tea. of the cinema. 18, Kensington Square The exhibition was opened by the Mayor of Kensington. Amongst Mrs. G. Christiansen opened her house at \ryere given tea in the garden. those present were the Mayoress, Miss Lucy Fisher, Sir Harold and members and Lady Kenyon, Lord Euston, and Sir Allan Lascelles, A visit was arranged to Clandon Park and Polesden Lacey, both Chairman of the Historic Buildings Council. National Trust houses. +6+ +7+ Members will doubtless appreciate that a great dçal of Mr. Cecil Farthing of the National Buildings Record gave a talk work is involved in checking information and in contacting on the work of the National Buildings Record and showed the right people at short notice but we are glad to be able to members over the headquarters in Chester Terrace. assist in this 'amenity' task, and hope that information, as possible. A visit to St. Paul's School by permission of the High Master, detailed as possible, will be sent, as early as Mr. A. N. Gilkes, who very kindly arranged tea fol (Sgd.) W. W. Begley. members. Mr. A. N. G. Richards gave a talk on the Histoty of St. Paul's School. Stre lighting Mr. Lanning Roper, an horticultural expert and writer on gardening lå#3'ä gave a lecture on "British Gardens Today." uptoa Mr. Alec Clifton Taylor, the well known Lecturer gave a lecture on reasonable standard should now take place. "The Ravenna Mosaics." A A visit to the Royal School of Needlework, a repeat of a visit made issued last year, which proved so popular. provid traffic We should like to take this opportunity to thank our lecturers, our streets. The scheme will be carried out in two stages. hosts and our hostesses for making our visits and lectures to during the year, so successful. ä Photographic Record Group. The Group has little to record, the members for various reasons have not been able to do very brackets attached to the walls. much. However, Miss R. Eusing has made a photographic The Group A lighting in Kensington High Street will'be record of the road-widening schemes at Kensington High dealt with by erecting concrete columns 25 ft. high with Street and Notting Hill Gate; and of the work being done on flourescent lanterns. This scheme was recommended by the the sites of the new Public Library in Hornton Street and the Borough Council on May 7th and the Society was very gratited Youth Hostel at Holland Park. to receive an invitation, with the Royal Fine Art Comrnission, The Annual Subscription to the Kensington Society covers to submit their views on the matter. membership the Photographic Group and new members of Members of The Kensington Society Committee met and be gladly welcomed. will proposals rnembers of the Royal Fine Art (Sgd.) C. G. Boxall. discussed the with Commission. Laler a deputation from the Kensington Society Committee met the Works Committee of the Council Tree Group. During the past year the composition of the Group Marshall to put and there under the Chairmanship of CouncillolF. W. has remained as set out in the last Annual Report Borough interest in forward their views. It was understood that the has been a good deal of activity, as there is much proposed:- the Borough in the question of Tree Preservation and planting. Council In the last Report it was mentioned that the Society was l. The substitution of electric lighting for gas in North Ken- proposing to donate nine trees to be planted in North Ken- sington: this was planned for 1957-58, sington and South End Village. This has now been done in installation of fluorescent lighting in the main streets: and during the year the Society has taken an interest in an 2. The this was also scheduled for 1957-58. avenue of mulberry trees in the St. Mary Abbot's Hospital grounds and is replacing a missing one. 3. The type of lamp standard to be used in the main streets A report as to a threat to trees in the Abbotsbury Road would be similar to that erected at the entrance of Holland area was carefully investigated and, happily, found to be Park. incorrect. A more serious threat of severe lopping to the trees 4. The use of fluorescent lighting in certain side streets. In in Cornwall Gardens has been obviated. In this case an side streets so lighted, the lamp standards would resemble interested person obtained some 300 signatures against the that erected in the Little Boltons. proposals in a matter of days and the result was very satisfactory. +9+ +8+ 5. In Imperial Institute. The Society supported a proposal for the list building to be flood lighted. We very much rtgret that the to proposal was turned down. in when removed from other sites. Town Hall. The Society suggested to the Kensington Borough 6. Sodium lighting might be used for lighting Warwick Road Council that the design for the new Town Hall should form and Finborough Road.

The Society agreed that fluorescent lighting in the main would be acceptable. They approved the lamp standard erected outside Holland Park as the best of its type. They were prepared to accept fluorescent lighting in certain side streets, provided the list of side streets to receive special treatment was aspects of the building. The Society has made a further extended. They did not however, approve the type of lamp suggestion to the Council that the design for the new Town standard which had been erected in the Little Boltons. It wai Hall should form the subject of a competition to a limited thought another design should be chosen. The Society did number of competent architects-possibly by a panel drawn not approve the use of sodium lighting anywhere in the up by the Royal Institute of British Architects. Borough. The Society has recently drawn up a list of streets We understand the Town Hall is unlikely to be built for other than those already drawn up by the Royal Fine Art a number of years. Commission and the Borough Council. These have been forwarded to the Borough Council, with the following pro- Lex press posals:- Garage Site. As we go to we understand planning permission is being sought by the Lex Garage proprietors to build a block of luxury flats on the site now occupied by the That not only certain streets of architectural merit should gafage. be considered for retention of the lamp standards but old The block ¡ather that areas should be considered. An example given would be nine stories high and approximately 92ff. in height. We have been asked residents was that although it is true that Launceston Place is more by the of that area to support their protest. distinguished architecturally than say, Eldon Road, the character It is felt by the Society that as this site dominates the Campden un- of the whole of this area bounded by Kensington Square, Hill view it would be Kensington Road, desirable to have such a high block. We have informed the Palace Gate and Kynance Mews is so L.C.C. homogeneous and closely knit that it might be considered to of the Society's views, at the same time reminding them of the admirable restraint override the particular merit of individual streets, and thus to they themselves had shown in the height of the demand a complete uniform lighting treatment. The retention buildings in Tor Gardens. of the existing bracket or post lantern in all mews and all "pedestrian All non-heavy traffic The Development Scheme for Notting Hill Gate. The following is roads in wh st part, do not exceed contained in a press notice released by the L.C.C. as we go to three stories be by post and lantern press. types, either sign ârid style to those now being most successfully used in Paddington. Sites ready for redevelopment. We should like to record our thanks to the Kensington e Borough Council for inviting the Society to submit its view:s. e

A New College in Kensington Gore. It is proposed to erect a new our aim to secure u scheme of redevelopment l4-story high building in Kensington Gore, between the with shops, offices and"o-p."h.frive residential accommodation at this Albert Hall and Queen's Gate. The site is actually in the important intersection. This will restore the business centre Westminster area. Representation has been made that this which has for long served a wide area around." block should not exceed the height of existing buildings. A total ofabout 4t acres ofland will eventually be available. +10+ +11 + The principal sites are:- A-(over two acres) on the north side of Notting Hill Gate between Ladbroke Terrace and Pembridge Road; Gts$gll\S one-tenth an acre) the site of the existing B-(about of I Central London underground station on the corner of Pem- Ø bridge Gardens (west side) and Notting Hill Gate; o F C-(over one acre) on the south side of Notting Hill Gate cd rb and the west side of Kensington Church Street between Farmer o o Street and Kensington place; (È (d D-(about half an acre) the south side of Notting Hill ' À Gate between Palace Gardens Terrace and the east side of o ? bD Kensington Church Street; H

E-(about one-tenth of an acre) the west side of Kensington oÉ Church Street between Kensington Place and Edge Street; o F-(about one-tenth of an acre) on the south side of o O Notting Hill Gate between Palace Gardens Terrace and Palace SfREÉf Pr+s- Gardens Mews. Ér CHURCH z ¡ t

Mr. John Paul. We welcome Mr. John Paul to the Executive Committee to fill the vacancy left by Mr. Begley's resignation. Mr. Paul was nominated last year and has been awaiting a vacancy.

Chrislmas Cards. There are tlvo new cards this year. d 1. Kensington Palace, as reproduced on page 4. Price 8d. o each, or ls. 3d. hand coloured. p 2. A reproduction of Raphael's Madonna and Child. Price It is hoped that the new buildings will be started in the 8d. each. spring of 1958 and completed in 1960. Trees to mørk Centenary. It is a hundred years since the roadway Sites B, E and Ffor later development. of Upper Addison Gardens was made up as a street, and nt. a number of residents including Sir Arnold Overton and Mrs. ely Tremayne decided that the centenary should be marked by of planting trees along the road to form an avenue. Over t50 of was subscribed by the residents. V/hite double cherries alternating with maple trees are to be planted. Could residents in other streets please copy this idea?

The Society is affiliated to The London Society and the Metropolitan Parks and Gardens Association. r It would be appreciated if letters requiring an answer were accom- Plaques. The following names have been accepted by the L.C.C. I panied by a stamped addressed envelope. for commemorative plaques :- Lord Allenby. Andrew Lang. I Extract fromThe Architectural Review, Decernber 1956. A Special Number of The Architectural Review called CouxrEn-Art¡,crc. A further list has been submitted:- Page 407 reads- Lady Mary Coke. A vote of thanks to preservation societies and private Sir Stephen Leslie. individuals. The Society would be pleased to receive from members further "'We also want to thank: The Kensington Society who as names of notable residents worthy of commemoration. a result of persistent agitation in the past are now consulted +14+ +15+ before street furniture is altered in Kensington and whose FUTURE ARRANGEMENTS wishes are respected." usually December 9th. 6 p.m. At the Town Hall, Kensington High Street, Vy'.8. Annual General Meeting, followed by a lecture at 6.30 p.m. by Civic Trust. The formation of the Civic Trust \ryas announced in Mr. Rupert Gunnis entitled "British Outdoor Sculpture." July 1957 by its President, Mr. Duncan Sandys. The object Chairman: Sir Harold Kenyon. of the Civic Trust is to promote high standards of architecture January 27th, 1958. 8.30 p.m. At the Town Hall, Kensington High Street, \ñ/.8. Recital for Viola d'Amore, Square Piano and Flute, arranged by S. Montague Cleeve.

(a) A service of information and professional advice will be Februøry 26th. 6 p.m. made available to industry, commerce and local authorities. A visit to B. T. Batsford Ltd., 4; Fitzhardings Street, ù.1. (b) Exhibitions of contemporary architecture and planning in Mr. B. C. Batsford will give a talk on Book Production. Admission Britain and foreign countries will be organised. by ticket only-obtainable from the Hon. Secretary , limited to 50. (c) A natioùal forum will be created for the discussion of -numbers March 6th. 8.30 p.m. At Queen Elizabeth College, Campden Hill Road, W.8. A lecture by Mr. H. Gahdell entitled "Royal Heraldry." Chairman: Miss Sargeaunt.

(d) Local conferences will also be arranged in selected towns March l9th. 3-4.30 p.m. to discuss the planning problems and potentialities of the Drawing and Painting, 70, locality. onrv, obtainabre (e) Architectural and town planning competitions will be ,?åi:"å:: sponsored on issues of public importance. April9th. 8.30 p.m. (f) Expert studies will be initiated and reports thereon issued. At Queen Elizabeth College, Campden Hill Road, V/.8. A (g) Public interest will be stimulated through press, radio and lecture by Andor Gomme entitled "Beauty Still in Danger." television. Chairman: Sir Hugh Casson.

An inaugural Conference of the Trust was held at Lambeth May t2rh. 8.30 p.m. Palace on July 201h, 1957. The Secretary of the Kensington I At the Town Hall, Kensington High Street, W.8. A lecture Society was one of the Speakers; and said the need for a by Professor lV. F. Grimes entitleä "Excavations in Rornan Preservatio-n Society in Kensington was made clear in the early I London." days of its foundation when Holland House was threatened witñ Chairman: Lawrence Tanner, C.V.O., F.S.A.

June 3rd. 8.30 p.m. At the Town Hall, Kensington High Street, W.8. A lecture by Mr. John Betjeman entitled "Victorian Architecture." Chairman: The Earl of Rosse.

Kindly note that the date of this lecture has been changed. + 16'+ + 17 + Ä NEW APPRO^{CH TO CTVIC ART Today the value of comprehensive and graceful development Pnorrsson SIn Ar,ssnr Rrcn,qnosoN is not wholly accepted, for the purpose seems to be strictly utilitarian. When we realise that more than half the population of these islands A lecture given by Professor Sir Albert Richardson, P.P.R.A. on live in cities and towns it becomes essential to consider the advantages 30th, 1957. April of scenic amenities. The lecture was illustrated by Sil. Albert's lightninþ In classical times this need was fully understood with much drawings. benefit to the alts and a heritage to posterity. When the grandeur The Rt. Hon. Viscount Esher was in the Chaír. He of old Ronie passed into cJmparâtive o6livion everything was said, "On this my first task qs the President of your changed. The earlier successes were not understood; the fervour Society, it ís my pleasant task to inÍroduce Sir Albert of a changing system of lithic construction made fresh laws impera- Richardson this afternoon. I am always introducing tive. The Gothic Cathedral took its stand quite serenely in a speakers and from long experience I have found that either huddle of small roofs. In place of a formality in part casual there nobody knows them or wants to know them, or else every- grew up a manner both picturesque and imaginative. The Gothic body knows them and no explanation from me is required. Cathedral closely surrounded by steeply pitched roofs forced the few Sir Albert obviously belongs to the latter class. He is public buildings of the day into telling but subordinate positions. ølwøys in the yqn of progress carryíng the flag that leads From the l2fh to the l5th century the soul of a city was symbolised us bqck to the great days of arfisric achieventent. I by the siting of the cathedral church, the town hall, the law courts remember when I was young, people used to say that Mr. and the markets. The street embellishments were few but they Gladstone wqs an old man in a hurry. Sir Albert is qn were delightfully signiflcant. old mqn in a hurricane, always eagerly the -frShti"g .for It was not until the later years of the Italian Renaissance that great causes in which we believe. doubt the all No in a conscious pride in civic part social end he will be strung up on one posts of of those new lamp in culture. For a time Rome he planning of his own town o.f Ampthill. But until his active and useful public buildings and monum ge. life reaches that close, he will continue, he .frtting as will From now on the beauty of the internal arrangement of cities tonight to enchant us with his vigour and charm." became part of corporate achievement. There ensued a desire to make cities impressive by creating numerous centres which would \ùhat is most essential is a restudy of the basic principles and not only facilitate the movement of traffic but would be advantageous qualities of civic art. The most desirable attribute is that of humane for a concourse of citizens. As time advanced so the desire for proportion; the next is of modelling, while the third concerns fresh schemes of pictorial and dramatic interest fired the imagination neighbourly views. Added to all three there is the characteristic of architects and sculptors as well as the minds of civic authorities. of dramatic effect. The exemplars of civic art are far too numerous Bernini's great Piazzi fronting St. Peter's at Rome is the most to be indexed and quoted in an address. It is significant that no notable example of civic display on the grand scale. And so the history of civic art has ever been published. On the other hand Italian examples began to increase until every city and town in the there are many guides, but the greatest inspiration of all is travel Italian Peninsula could boast of some dignifled public place. The and sight-seeing with a sketch book in hand. That is how the old works attributed to Filipo Juvara at Turin offer many ideas for masters educated themselves and they achieved what no academy adaptation to contemporary problems. or institute has since accomplished. Another aspect of civic art Turning to France, we find that apafi from the design by concerns knowledge of the genius loci. The reason for success in Boccardoro in the l6th century for the Hotel de Ville little was done former times was the consideration given to blending the old with until the Place des Voges was built by the celebrated architect the new. No one desires a city planned and elevated to a general Chastillion in 1603. There can be little doubt that this formal pattern. How very tiresome it would be if London were to become arrangement inspired Inigo Jones when he planned the Piazza at a weak caricature of New York. W igest Covent Garden in 1630. The next moves came the grand good with and a many experiments to mak al in manner of Louis XIV's reign when the works on the Palace of civic art. Of one thing we may be will Versailles and the layout of the Gardens inspired the whole coterie never be attained. It would be very tiresome if it were. of European architects to follow suit. Sir Christopher Wren's plan The theory of civic architecture belongs to the first,ideas of for rebuilding the after the Great Fire would ñave community living. It was, however, left to the Greeks to perfect imparted grandeur to the internal character of the ancient City if the conception of the city as a work of art. wise counsel had prevailed. As it turned out the accidents of +18 +19+ medi?_gval growth were perpetuated with the result that subsequent The period that followed the Victory of Waterloo heralded the embellishments have been half-hearted. new age ôf invention. A new society, vast in numbers and freshly Througho planning in England graded first, second and third class, now took charge ofthe heritage was limited to ñd the èxpansión of of taste contributed by their forbears. Spurred by what had been encouraged archaeological certain estates fact the compromise accomplished by architricts in Paris, by the newer generation of designers between the m sance rùr'as continued research in Greece and Asia Minor, until the close of the century. engaged to improve the Metropolis. The results are well known, for example Regents Park, Old Regent Street, Carlton House Terrace, the entrance to the West Strand and other lesser contribu- tions. A great scheme for a riverside quay on the north bank of the Thames from Westminster to Blackfriars was prepared by Colonel Trench and published in 1825. Had this idea been carried out the Victoria Embankment would have been anticipated by 50 years. The scheme was an exceptionally flne one. There were introduotory features at the bridge heads and beyond Blackfriars there was a special avenue leading from the riverside quay to the south transept of St. Paul's. the notable classical revival in France which is known as the Style Louis Seize. It was grasped at once by the designers and the public that conventional scenery designed in a formal manner not only expressed English architects had formed their beliefs on classic anti- the developing culture of the people but was necessary to frame the movements of the vast crowds moving through the streets of London and crossing the river by five important bridges. The triumph of scenic architecture had already been dçmon- strated by John Nash; the stateliness of certain buildings devoted French had the advantage of an unbroken sequence of mature to public use had been determined by the skill of Sir this juncture Cockerell was just renaissance architecture and this enabled them tó adapt new ideas and Sir Robert Smirke. At C. R. with facility. entering the lists. Decimus Burton had yet to make his name, while Charles Barry was setting out to win his spurs as a devotee to As already _ mentioned, Paris had adopted town planning in the the Italian renaissance. The public architecture of this period was early 17th century when the Edict of December 1607ìntroduied the strong, graceful and refined in detail. Shining like a brilliant star, Professor C. R. Cockerell was dealing with the Sun Office. Lafer on Professor Cockerell would be engaged on his design for the Royal Exchange. Civic architecture was now regarded to be an affair of arcades, colonnades, peristyles, façades three or four stories high and other incidental features. Even the Gothic Revivalists followed the same general prin- ciples for civic buildings, that is to say they had profound regard for scale and pictorial compositions. Thus from the time of.the Regency until 1870 attention was given to architecture as an expression of the improving culture of the people. It is a fact that only students of social life in England during the l9th century are competent to judge of the state of the arts at that tirhe. Take for example the spectacle of Regent Street in the late 80's with its splendid shops and procession of carriages, omnibuses and other vehicles. The stuccoed façades by daylight and gaslight formed a scenic background to the movements of the thronging crowds. It was indeed a tranquil scene and one that impressed foreign visitors. The implications of civic art are very broad but +20+ +21 + If I were askeû to name the most striking example of civic design in England I would say without hesitation the layout of Wren's buildings at . This group of monumental buildings is incomparable in Europe, both for the dignity of the works, their composition and siting. As an example of convincing picturesque grouping the Palace of Westminster, the adjacent Abbey and Parliament Square can be named. The greatest achievement an architect can hope for is to be entrusted with the design of civic amenities. It is a task of great dignity to be entrusted with the creation of a setting which will satisfy posterity that beauty should always accompany everyday life. We judge the culture of other times by works of art and it is by similar works that our generation will be judged. For posterity will be just as interested in our buildings and our thoughts as we are in the works of other times. It would not be very satisfactory if we bequeathed to posterity a collection of cubistic containers labelled preposterously 'Civic Art.' We should not forget that civic art includes other things besides buildings; there is the equally fine art of sculpture to be taken seriously. When we recall the possibilities of sculpture and ornament enriching public buildings we are made aware of the necessity for fountains, statuary and other embellishments at certain points in the formation of a city. Bou- chardon's fountains in Paris, Rude's symbolic figures on the Arc de Triomphe, Dubois' work at Nantes, and also his Jeanne d'Arc and Louis d'Orleans, lead on to the works of Chapu, Barrias, Aube and Rodin. Finally we have the realism of St. Gaudens. It is, however, to the great sculptors of the Baroque that we turn for those imagina- tive compositions in stone and bronze which offer attractions to the human mind irrespective of nationality. While compiling this lecture memories of many splendid cities came to my mind. I recalled visits to Rome, to Florence, Turin and Genoa. I see myself once again young and enthusiastic sitting down to sketch the civic masterpieces of Brussels, Antwerp, Gotten- burg and Stockholm. I recall my first visit to Paris 53 years ago and the way I attempted to put all the city on paper. Since then I have made many pencil drawings and watercolours of cities. Only two months since I sketched the heart of Glasgow from the roof of St. Enoch's Hotel and later travelled on to Edinburgh to record St. George's Square with the domed church by Robert Adam. All my life I have been attracted by the soul of cities. For instance, the centre of Liverpool with St. George's Hall assuming dramatic intensity by night and morning, Manchester with its black velvet qualities, Bath silvery and retired like some revered dowager of the Old School. Then across the Irish Sea I recall Dublin which reveals the spirit of Ireland, strangely aloof and reproachful. But it is London that controls our ambitions and warms the cockles of our hearts. Go where we may, live where we list, it is London that claims us willy-nilly. The Old Queen of the +23+ Seas has gathered so much in her day. She offers visions and illusions that are flner than any penned descriptions or limnings on RULES OF THE KENSINGTON SOCIETY canvas. For London has poetry her riverside She in silhouette. The name of the Society shall be The Kensington Society. suffers from tantrums as all elderly ladies do; she is intriguing and l. obstinate, petulant, unkind and disdainful, yet she is our ruler and we must pay tribute to her fancies. The time has come when London demands attention, not by new costumes, not by forced additions, but care and maintenance of her qualities which only experienced hands can give. architecture in its future development Is it not remarkable that our ideas on the future of London are so mean? Does it not strike you that some instruction in civic art 3. Members. Members shall be Life or Ordinary. is more essential now than ever before? Is it not,time to throw off art heresy and bigottecl tyranny, masquerading under the cloak of 4. Subsuiptions. pay a minimum subscription Modernism and Economy? Should not our Professors and in- of Ê10-10s. O hall pay a minimum annual themselves by restudying masterpieces of subscription of le on lst October each year. teach? Is it not reasonable to expect 5. The CounciL The Council shall consist of not more than om all who believe in the future of the thirty members. They shall be elected by the Executive fine arts? Frankly when visit other cities am inspired the I I by Committee. care given to the beautifying of amenities. We too.could do likewise, for our natural assets are many and our opportunities are 6. The Officers. The Offcers of the Society shall be the President, legion. the Vice-Presidents, the Hon. Secretary and the Hon. Treasurer' Can I do better than end my talk by mentioning Piccadilly, the 7. The Executive Committee. The Executive Committee shall village that sulrounds the Royal Academy and has for its Parish consist of not more than twelve members and the Hon. Church St. Jarres's. Perhaps it will be best to quote Locker- Secretary and Hon. Treasurer. The Chairman of the Execu- Lampson:- tive Committee shall be elected annually by the members of "Piccadilly-shops, palaces, bustle and breeze, the Executive Committee at their first meeting after the The whirring of wheels and the murmur of trees, Annual General Meeting. By daylight, or nightlight, or noisy, or stilly, 8. The Executive Committee shall be the governing body of the Whatever my mood is I love Piccadilly. Society. It shall have power to (i) Make bye-laws; (ii) Co-opt membèrs and fill vacancies on the Executive Committee that Life is chequer'd, a patchwork of smiles and of frowns, (iii) steps they may arise for the current year; Take any -may We value its ups; let us muse on its downs. consider desirable to further the interests and objects of the There's a side that is bright, it will then turn the other, Society. One turn, if a good one, deserves such another. Then downs are delightful, then ups are not hilly, A Quórum of the Executive Committee shall consist of Let us turn one more turn ere \rr'e quit Piccadilly." not less than five members. Not less than three Executive Committee Meetings shall be convened in any one year. 9. Annuql General Meeting, of which 28 days notice sh be held when the Executive ort and an audited Statement of Accounts to the previous September 30th. 10. he Executive Committee. eligible for election as of the Executive Com- to the Hon. SecretarY, 24 + + +25+ F sr8\ Eäfã ÉF =*€s É;+- ã ?g=ì ,"äÈ". 1Ë.3 s 5äiä :-Î i.a Âa E + 5 ã.È ö'i ÈË9.9 n *'dæ- o35* ã= gåÉF e +i.: H +E<È *qÉB { :*î+= l.J i :ä îE o\ FI =={=d= Ê'sg: 0 u så*[ n ãã eErÈ .üi'8 È- 9.- :o-a á áÈËx å=s c 33&iz$ il3ã å så e ls ;= ãt: Ëfe rss Ët *

THE KENSINGTON SOCIËTY STATEMENT OF ACCOUNTS. YEAR 195ó.57 t955ls6 INCOME f s.d. f, t.d. t9s5ls6 EXPENDITURE å s.d. f s.d. f. r, Balance at lst October, 1956 London Meetings- 333 brought forward 28502 72 Net Cost of Halls, Chairs, etc. 737 9 14 Advefising 200 Subcriptions- 98 Printing, Typing and Stationery 15933 l0 Life Subscriptions 7l Postages and Telephone Calls 62 15 tr 260 Annual Subscriptions 39286 3 Subscriptions .. Tax Recovered Deeds of Bank Charges and Cheque 4 Covenant .. - .4 Books 300 8 6 Cost of Organising Public Meeting for Imperial ln- Other Income- 62 stitute Profit-on Sale of Christmas 5 Planting Trees 13 t 9 18 Cards -39218 7 6 ll Legal Fees Interest on Bank Deposit Ac- 5 Sundry Expenses 710 0 { 2 count 3t4 7 Stock of Christmas Cards do- Interest on Post Office Savings nated to the Kensington and \¡l.) 5 Bank Account s96 Paddington Friendly Service Donations 1110 6 Unit .. 1710 0 Coach Visits excess of In- _338 8 8 { 2 come over Expenditure- 156 3917 7 Balance at 30th September,7957 Martin's Bank, Limited- Current Account 81011 Deposit Account 145 5 1t 285 Post Office Savings Bank 22509 7

€630 f717 6 3 î.630 -37817f7t7 6 3

We have prepared the above Account from the Books and Vouchers kept by Martin's Bank Ltd., Kensington Branch, and certify it to be in accordance therewith. Nonrox Housn, LlunrNc¡ PotrNrwrv Hrrr,, LóNooN, E.C.4. WRIGHT, STEVENS & LLOYD, |th October,1957- Chartered Accountants, Tn¡ Ho¡q. TnnAsunER, Tn¡ K¡NslNGroN SocrETy, c/o Martin's Bank Ltd., 208, Kensington High Street, W.8.

I wish to become a member of The Kensington Society. I enclose he.¡ewith the sum of f : s. d. for my annual subscription, or, I enclose herewith the sum of € : s. d. for Life Subscription.

Signature

Address

BANKER'S ORDER

Tlqnl¿

Please pay Martin's Bank Ltd., of 208, Kensington High Street, W.8, to the credit of the account of The Kensington Society, my subscription of [ : s. d., and continue the same on the lst of October annually until further notice.

Signature

Address,....

(Mr. or Mrs.) (Title) .

Annual subscribers will simplify the collection of their subscriptions if they will fiIl in the Banker's Order. Cheques should be made payable to The Kensington Society. +29+ PRINTED EY W. HEFFER & SONS LTD..